How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Sep 15 - Oct 15

HAPPY HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH FROM MEXGROCER.COM!

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico achieved independence on September 16, Chile on September 18 and Belize on September 21st. El Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) is observed on October 12th.

In this age of political correctness, we at MexGrocer.com believe that the term HISPANIC is more appropriate than the label LATINO to designate this particular ethnic group of people living in the United States, as it represents the Spanish speaking population of this country. The term HISPANIC is a neutral word that groups together the Spanish speaking population in general living in the U.S., people with root origins not only from Latin America but also from Spain.

The word Latino in Spanish includes only the male, so if we were to use the term Latino it would be better to say Latino(s) and/or Latina(s) so as to include both the male and female genders of this population group. If we use the term Latin Americans, which too is correct, we would be excluding people from Spain and other countries in Europe with Latin language origins, such as Italy, France and Portugal, where people prefer to be known as Europeans. If we say Hispano American, it represents only the Spanish speaking countries in Latin America, and thus excludes Brazil and a few enclaves.

In summary, during the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, and considering the honor the United States shares with all of us from throughout the Americas who live here, MexGrocer.com supports the term HISPANIC in grouping together all individuals living in the United States who speak Spanish and other Romance languages, and who have roots or families in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

FELICES FIESTAS PATRIAS

While Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th, Hispanic Heritage Month, or Mes de las Patrias consist of month-long celebrations. The Fiestas Patrias begin in mid-September and continue through mid-October.

Many Hispanic Americans trace their roots to the cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Americas -- including the Arawaks (Puerto Rico), the Aztecs (Mexico), the Incas (South America), the Maya (Central America), and the Tainos (in Cuba, Puerto Rico and other places). Some trace their roots to the Spanish explorers -- who in the 1400s set out to find an easier and less costly way to trade with the Indies. Others trace their roots to the Africans who were brought as slaves to the New World. For purposes of the U.S. Census, Hispanic Americans today are identified according to the parts of the world that they or their ancestors came from, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Spain, or the nations of Central or South America.

The term Hispanic, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, refers to Spanish-speaking people in the United States of any race. People of Spanish, Hispanic, Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "other Spanish Hispanic Latino countries." There are nearly 45 million Hispanics in the United States or 13.5 percent of the total U.S. population.

To reach the US Hispanic consumer, we recommend a Hispanic Marketing book: "How to Win The Hispanic Gold Rush" by Francisco J. Valle. This book tells you about the US Hispanic market, how to identify their needs, produce products and services to meet those needs: pricing, distribution, and how to promote those products and services to make a profit.

Hispanic foods are enjoyed all over the US. Where would we be without tacos, empanadas, enchiladas, salsa, tamales, chipotle, horchata, black beans and rice, and flan?

Here are some Mexican recipes to help you celebrate our Hispanic heritage:

This salsa is amazing. The habaneros, when mixed in lime juice, lose some of their heat. The habanero is the chile of choice in Yucatan and surrounding areas. It is said to have mysterious healing powers. I believe it. I also know that it releases some serious endporphins. Preparation time is about 45 minutes and this will make a little over a pint.

Mix all ingredients together in bowl. Cover and refrigerate for up to three days. Serve with chips for dipping.

For nachos - layer tortilla chips on a plate. Cover with grated cheese. Microwave for 45 seconds to a minute. Remove and spoon salsa over the top. Serve immediately.

PANCHO'S TORTILLA SOUP

This delectable rendition a Mexican classic comes to you from Restaurant Pancho's in Cabo San Lucas. It will warm your heart and soul. Share it with your loved ones. Takes about two and a half hours to make. There will be 10 to 12 servings, so count on having enough for leftovers.

Boil chicken (well seasoned) with water for at least one hour. Remove chicken from water, remove bones and cut into chunks.

Place peppers, onions and tomatoes in large skillet with the olive oil and saute until cooked. Add the seasonings and bouillon and cook about a half hour. Adjust seasonings and set aside.

About 20 minutes before serving, combine the chicken and stock with vegetables and heat thoroughly.

At the same time, deep fry the tortilla chips and drain on paper towels. Divide among six large soup bowls Place chunks of chicken, avocado and grated cheese in each bowl. Pour two cups soup into each bowl. Float a bit of sour cream on top and garnish with cilantro sprig and chile. Serve immediately and prepare to gloat.

JALAPEÑO CORN BREAD

Jalapeño chiles, real corn and lots of cheese distinguish this corn bread from the old-fashioned, all-American ya'all version of corn bread. It's not too fiery, but makes an awesome side dish for roasted or grilled foods. Serves 10.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 14 inch pan. In a large bowl, mix jalapeños with corn and onion. Beat in baking soda, salt and sugar, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well. Add buttermilk and oil, then cheese and cornmeal.

Pour batter into pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan and serve in squares.

TOTALLY MEXICAN GRILLED DORADO

This is an astonishingly great recipe. If you can't find the two types of salad dressing, then visit your grocery store and get creative. Serves eight and takes about an hour to prepare.